Immigrants in Minnesota: A demographic and economic profile

Washington, D.C. (Nov. 7, 2017) — The American Immigration Council on Tuesday released data on Minnesota’s immigrant population and their contributions to the state. The Minnesota state fact sheet includes data on population size, educational and citizenship attainment, English proficiency levels, and data on undocumented immigrants and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients in the state.

The fact sheet shows that immigrants make up more than 8 percent of Minnesota’s population. Immigrants in Minnesota represent 10 percent of the state’s labor force, with foreign-born residents accounting for more than 15 percent of all healthcare support employees, as well as over 20 percent of residents working in the computer and math sciences. Undocumented immigrants comprised 1.9 percent of the total state population, 2.7 percent of Minnesota’s workforce, and paid an estimated $83.2 million in state and local taxes.

The fact sheet also reveals that immigrants in Minnesota contributed $2.2 billion in federal taxes and $1.1 billion in state and local taxes in 2014. As consumers, immigrants spent $8.9 billion on Minnesota’s economy. Immigrant entrepreneurs in Minnesota generated $489.1 million in business revenue.

Drawing from U.S. Census data and other sources, the Council developed fifty state fact sheets that provide the latest demographic and economic contributions of immigrants in each U.S. state and can be accessed here.

The American Immigration Council is a powerful voice in promoting laws, policies, and attitudes that honor America’s proud history as a nation of immigrants. Through research and policy analysis, litigation and international exchange, the Council seeks to shape a twenty-first century vision of the American immigrant experience. Follow the latest Council news and information ImmigrationImpact.com and on Twitter @immcouncil.